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Senator Van Hollen Visits Oasis Grocery Store in Indian Head, Maryland, to Support Local Businesses

Indian Head, MD – For a quarter of a century, the residents of Indian Head had no choice but to drive miles away just to buy fresh groceries. It was an accepted reality, a quiet inconvenience that had settled into daily life. But that all changed with the opening of Oasis Grocery Store, a long-awaited transformation that marked the beginning of something new.

New Grocery Store for Indian Head

I stood outside the freshly painted doors of Oasis Grocery Store, taking in the sight of the first full-service grocery store the town had seen in decades. A small crowd from Charles County and the surrounding area gathered in excitement. “This isn’t just about groceries,” says the store manager, with a smile. “We ended the food desert designation. This is a big deal for Indian Head.” That’s a pretty big, a pretty important aspect of what’s happening in the town.”

Despite playing a vital role in bringing the project to fruition, the store owners humbly credit the collective efforts of community members and leaders who worked tirelessly to make the store a reality. For years, the people of Indian Head had been calling for a solution, and slowly, piece by piece, that dream became a reality. Many hands had worked together—community leaders, residents, and supporters—to bring this store to life. And now, here it stood, ready to serve.

As the only full-service grocery store within the jurisdiction of Indian Head, Oasis offers residents a local and convenient option for their grocery needs, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to neighboring towns to access fresh food.

The store boasts a wide selection of products akin to those found in larger chain stores. Shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, frozen goods, and essential household staples. “Anything you need to sustain your family in a healthy way and have options, we have available,” said the store manager who asked to remain anonymous.

More Than Just a Store

As customers stepped through the doors, they were met with a surprising sight. Many had assumed the store would be small, just another corner market. But inside, it was spacious and inviting, filled with the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables. Shelves lined with meats, seafood, frozen goods, and everyday essentials promised convenience like never before.

“You can find anything here that you’d expect in a larger grocery store,” as we walk through an aisles. “Fresh produce, quality meats, frozen foods—everything a family needs to stay healthy and have options.”

Behind the scenes, months of careful planning had gone into ensuring that Oasis would always be well-stocked. A national distributor, UNFI Super Value, had stepped in as a key partner, ensuring that Indian Head and even neighboring towns like Marbury and Nanjumoy would have access to a stable, affordable supply of groceries.

Senator Van Hollen

Leaders in Indian Head had long envisioned a thriving town where people didn’t just live but flourished. The store was part of a bigger plan, one that included bringing back essential amenities and ensuring that Indian Head was a place of opportunity.

Also present was Senator Van Hollen, who expressed his confidence that the whole development team in Indian head is capable of delivering a community experience filled with the right amenities. Federal funding of $700,000 had been secured to help develop parking and other infrastructure, ensuring that Oasis would remain a sustainable and accessible staple in the community. But the real success of the store,  would come from the people themselves.

“This is your store,” he reminded them. “It belongs to Indian Head. Every dollar spent here stays here. It supports local programs, from athletics at Lackey High School to events at the senior center. When you shop here, you’re investing in your own community.”

Building a Brighter Future

For years, Indian Head had been waiting for a change. Now, with Oasis Grocery Store, that change had arrived. But the journey wasn’t over—it was just beginning. The store needed the people of Indian Head as much as they needed it.

“We’ve got great things here,” said the store manager, looking around with pride. “Now, it’s time for the community to come out and support it.”

As shoppers filled their carts, exchanging excited chatter, one thing was clear: Oasis wasn’t just a grocery store. It was a promise—one of renewal, of growth, and of a community coming together to build a better future.